September 29 Message to International Students: New Proposed Rule Eliminating Duration of Status

To Our International Students

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) has been receiving many questions about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new Proposed Rule, published on September 25, to eliminate duration of status for F-1 and J-1 students and their respective dependents.  You can find a summary here that breaks down DHS’ 256 page proposal into very clear, digestible key points.
 
The Office of International Student Services (ISS), others at the university, and our colleagues at institutions across the country are reviewing the proposed rule now.  It is very complex and it will take some time to understand fully all of the information that is currently available.  I am sure we will also find aspects of the proposal about which we have questions and will need further guidance and clarification from DHS.
 
Please know that nothing about this proposed rule is yet final.  The proposed rule will go through a comment period, open for 30 days. Once the proposed rule is finalized, it usually takes effect 30 days in the future and it is not until that effective date that the changes become law.  As our summer experience shows, the proposal the U.S. Government makes is not necessarily going to take effect as is—or at all. That said, we are evaluating the proposal closely   
 
We know that this proposal has the potential to affect students’ and their families’ lives significantly.  ISS staff will keep you informed and continue to support you in any way we can as this situation continues to develop.
 
Please stay in touch with ISS and continue to check your @case.edu email addresses regularly.  Feel free to email us at international@case.edu.
 
Best Regards,

Marielena Maggio, M.A.
Director, International Student Services, PDSO & ARO